Volcano Case Study. MEDC: Mt St Helens, North Ame

Showed signs of erupting in March 1980 by minor earthquakes and steam with ash erupted.

The expected, but unpredictable eruption occured 8:32am on 18th May 1980.

Earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter Scale caused a landslide on the northern side of the volcano. (Biggest landslide ever recorded). This removed pressure from the top of the volcano and allowed the eruption to happen.

Primary effects.

Huge land slide (Biggest ever recorded).

Wiped out all living things 27km north of the crater.

Trees uprooted and thrown around like match sticks.

57 people died (One of whom was volcanologist David Johnston studying the volcano).

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Secondary effects.

Spirit lake (local lake) polluted with volcanic gases.

Roads blocked with 1 metre of ash in places.

Short term responses.

Mobilising helicopters for search and rescue.

Stranded tourists helped to find shelter.

Ash cleared from roads in 3 days.

Long term responses.

Bridges and roads rebuilt.

Drainage looked at to prevent risk of flooding.

Forests to north of the crater replanted.

Tourism in creased with provision of extra tourist facilities.

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Volcano Case Sudy. LEDC: Montserrat, Caribbean,

Volcano: Chances Peak, Soufriere Hills.

First erupted July 18th 1995.

Immediate effects.

Pyroclastic flows.

19 people died.

Southern part of the island including the capital Plymouth was destroyed.

Island relied on Britian to send over aid and vital supplies.

Long term effects.

Plymouth, the Capital City, was buried in ash.

Plans put in place in case of futire eruptions.

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Short term responses.

Evacuation.

Search for survivors.

Seek aid from other countries/organisations.

Long term responses.

8,000 people out of a possible 12,000 left the island.

Rebuild new settlements at the opposite end of the island to the volcano.